This is a narrative design in a specified, existing building for David Laport's fashion store.
Laport was born in Goes, Netherlands as David van der Schraaf. He graduated in Theater Design with an interest in costumes, set and grime. After this, he studied at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague with a focus on textiles. His awareness of fashion soon came and his pleated technique and sculpturalism became his hallmark.
Because of David's interest in film, theater and dance, the narrative interior is based on the theatrical atmosphere. This is elicited with stairs, platforms and a thoughtful lighting system that allows the sculptural garments to be experienced as works of art in the space.
I wanted to design a fashion store that reflects David Laport's unique aesthetic, bringing together sculptural elements, elegance and a theatrical atmosphere.
"I know that my dresses add something. They stand on their own, they have a signature, they are flattering, they compliment a woman."
The existing property is located in the Grote Huidevettershoek in Ghent.
Inspirational image crafted with Photoshop
A dark volume is placed centrally in the space with stair levels and platforms where the garments are considered sculptures. The large stage is off the walls which also creates circulation all around and allows it to have room for extra storage. The walls and ceiling will receive a dark coat of paint and the floor and columns will be a pale, neutral color so that the central, dark volume will stand out.
The stair levels will provide different spots and platforms that will entice the customer to go further into the store and always see and experience something new. The storage area, office and staff room will merge into the backstage located behind the stage. The partition walls will not extend to the ceiling, keeping the space feeling large. The small platforms for the mannequins will have a rough, dark look that links to rocks from nature. The lighting system will also play an important role in the fashion store to illuminate the clothing like sculptures. To reinforce the guiding feel, I want spotlights on rails to run throughout the space and connect to the hanging racks. These will consist of a copper-colored metal. This copper color will also be repeated in the "plissé" pleated decorative plates.
Render images fabricated with SketchUp and Twinmotion
Approach to the fashion store
Benadering
Ingang
Toonbank en podium
Bureau met inkijk
Plans created with Vectorworks
Floor plan
Section AA'
Section BB'
Section CC'
Section DD'
"It's art or fashion, if the object fits around a person and can be moved in it, then it's essentially another piece of clothing anyway."
Clip of La Porte Noire store
Light study floor plan
Light study office
Light study store
